Saints confirm that Stewart has departed on a free transfer, alongside the full list of players released.

Southampton have officially announced that striker Ross Stewart will leave the club when his contract expires later this month, with the forward among a group of seven senior players departing St Mary’s this summer.

The club released its retained list ahead of the new season and confirmed that Stewart, alongside Oriol Romeu, Will Smallbone, Alex McCarthy, Joe Aribo, Jamie Jones and Charlie Taylor, will all move on following the conclusion of their current deals at the end of June.

Ross Stewart is set to depart Saints on a free transfer (Image: Stuart Martin)

In addition, defender Elias Jelert will return to Turkish champions Galatasaray after the completion of his loan spell on the south coast.

One notable omission from the released list was James Bree. The defender’s future has now been clarified after Southampton confirmed he has agreed a new three-year contract to remain at the club.

The departures mark the beginning of what is expected to be a significant period of change for Southampton as they prepare for the next chapter in the club’s development.

Ross Stewart’s Southampton Journey Comes to an End

Among the most notable departures is striker Ross Stewart, whose three-year stay at St Mary’s is set to conclude this summer.

The club revealed that an option to extend the Scottish forward’s contract was not exercised, bringing his time with Southampton to an end.

Stewart arrived at the club with a strong reputation as a goalscorer and despite facing challenges during his spell on the south coast, he remained a respected member of the squad.

During the 2025/26 campaign, the 29-year-old made 33 appearances across all competitions and found the net 11 times.

His contributions helped Southampton throughout a demanding season, and he remained an important attacking option whenever called upon.

Will Smallbone is a Saints academy success story (Image: Stuart Martin)

Across his entire Southampton career, Stewart accumulated 50 appearances and leaves with a respectable goal return while also earning appreciation from supporters for his commitment and professionalism.

Although injuries disrupted parts of his time at the club, Stewart consistently worked to contribute whenever available and departs with the best wishes of everyone connected with Southampton.

End of an Era for Academy Graduate Will Smallbone

Another significant departure is midfielder Will Smallbone, whose association with Southampton stretches back nearly two decades.

The Republic of Ireland international first joined Southampton’s academy as an eight-year-old and progressed through every level of the club’s youth system before eventually establishing himself in the senior squad.

His departure marks the end of an 18-year relationship with Southampton, making him one of the club’s longest-serving players.

Smallbone’s journey from academy prospect to first-team regular represents one of the club’s most successful examples of youth development in recent years.

Throughout his time in the senior setup, he made 90 first-team appearances and became a popular figure among supporters.

His most memorable contributions came during Southampton’s successful 2023/24 promotion-winning campaign.

The midfielder played a vital role as Saints secured a return to the Premier League through the Championship play-offs.

One of his standout moments arrived during the semi-final stage when he scored the opening goal in a crucial victory that helped propel Southampton into the final at Wembley Stadium.

Smallbone then delivered another key contribution on the biggest stage.

In the play-off final, he provided the assist for Adam Armstrong’s winning goal, a moment that secured promotion and ensured his place in Southampton folklore.

His departure brings an emotional end to a remarkable journey that began when he was still a child dreaming of representing the club.

Alex McCarthy Bids Farewell After a Decade of Service

Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is another player whose Southampton career will come to an end this summer.

The experienced shot-stopper departs after spending ten years at St Mary’s, having become one of the club’s most reliable and respected figures during that period.

Oriol Romeu departs Saints for the second time (Image: Matt Watson/Southampton FC)

McCarthy made a total of 165 appearances for Southampton and served the club with distinction through various stages of its recent history.

His experience, leadership and professionalism made him a valuable presence both on and off the pitch.

The 36-year-old also played an important role during Southampton’s successful promotion campaign in 2024.

Although not always the first-choice goalkeeper, he stepped up when required and delivered several significant performances.

Particularly memorable were his clean sheets during both the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final and the final at Wembley.

Those defensive displays helped lay the foundations for Southampton’s return to the Premier League and ensured McCarthy played a key role in one of the club’s most important achievements of recent years.

As he prepares to move on, he leaves with the gratitude and respect of supporters who witnessed a decade of dedicated service.

Joe Aribo’s Four-Year Spell Comes to a Close

Midfielder Joe Aribo will also be departing Southampton after four years at the club.

The Nigeria international joined Saints from Rangers in 2022 and went on to make a significant contribution across multiple seasons.

During his time at Southampton, Aribo accumulated 111 appearances in all competitions, becoming a familiar and dependable figure within the squad.

His versatility allowed him to operate in a variety of positions, making him a valuable option for several managers throughout his stay.

One of his most productive periods came during the 2023/24 season when Southampton successfully secured promotion.

Aribo featured 40 times during that campaign and scored four goals, helping the club navigate a challenging Championship season.

His energy, work ethic and technical quality were important assets as Saints battled their way back to the Premier League.

More recently, Aribo spent part of 2026 on loan at Leicester City, gaining additional experience before returning to Southampton.

Now, with his contract reaching its conclusion, both player and club will move in separate directions.

His contribution over the past four years leaves him with a positive legacy and appreciation from many Southampton supporters.

Oriol Romeu Departs for a Second Time

Perhaps the most emotional farewell of all belongs to Oriol Romeu.

The experienced Spanish midfielder is leaving Southampton for the second time after a remarkable return to the club in November 2025.

Romeu initially rejoined Saints as a free agent, delighting supporters who remembered his outstanding contributions during his first spell on the south coast.

Although his second stint was relatively brief, he still managed to make seven appearances before the end of the season.

Those outings increased his overall Southampton appearance tally to an impressive 263 matches.

Even when not playing regularly, Romeu remained a hugely influential figure around the training ground.

His leadership qualities, experience and professionalism were widely praised, and he became an important mentor for younger players at Staplewood.

The Spaniard’s legacy at Southampton extends far beyond his second spell.

During his original period with the club, he played a pivotal role in some of the most successful years in Southampton’s modern history.

Romeu was a key member of the side that achieved the club’s highest-ever Premier League finish.

He also helped Southampton qualify for European competition and was an important part of the squad that reached the 2017 EFL Cup final.

His commitment, consistency and combative midfield performances made him a fan favourite, and his contribution to the club’s history will not be forgotten.

As he departs once again, supporters will remember him as one of the most influential midfielders to represent Southampton in the modern era.

Additional Departures Confirmed

Alongside the high-profile exits, Southampton also confirmed that Jamie Jones and Charlie Taylor will leave the club when their contracts expire.

Both players have contributed during their time at St Mary’s and now prepare to pursue new opportunities elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Elias Jelert’s temporary stay with Southampton has come to an end.

The defender will return to Galatasaray following the conclusion of his loan agreement.

His departure was expected and forms part of the club’s wider reshaping of the squad ahead of the new season.

James Bree Commits His Future

While several players are departing, Southampton supporters did receive positive news regarding James Bree.

There had been uncertainty surrounding the defender’s future after his name was absent from the released list.

The club subsequently confirmed that Bree has signed a new three-year contract, ensuring he remains part of Southampton’s plans moving forward.

His extension provides continuity during a summer that has otherwise brought considerable change to the squad.

Southampton’s Message to Departing Players

In announcing the departures, Southampton issued a statement expressing their appreciation to every player leaving the club.

The club paid tribute to the commitment, professionalism and effort shown by each individual during their time at St Mary’s.

Southampton thanked all departing players for their contributions both on and off the field and wished them success in the next stages of their careers.

The statement highlighted the club’s gratitude for everything they have given while representing the Saints badge.

It concluded by offering best wishes to each player as they embark on new challenges away from the south coast.

As Southampton begin preparations for the future, the departures of Stewart, Smallbone, McCarthy, Aribo, Romeu, Jones, Taylor and Jelert signal the end of several important chapters in the club’s recent history.

Each leaves having made their own contribution to Southampton’s story, and their efforts will be remembered by supporters as the club enters a new era.